Agriculture, Enivronment and Community

The world is approximately 4.5 billion years old. Over the course of time, the Earth has changed. With the advent of technology and the industrial revolution, our world is now a host to high-rise buildings, industries, f...

There is no place like home. Yes, indeed! But there is something better than just a home – a home with an orchard. Many homeowners now create orchards in their backyards or in wide, free spaces near their homes. Th...

The forests comprise 31% of the total land mass of the Earth. They are vital in the absorption of carbon dioxide emissions to filter the air we breathe. They are also responsible for producing vital oxygen essential for ...

We have already discussed the things that you should consider in planning and starting an orchard in your home. But actually, it does not just end there. The real essence of having an orchard is in the care and maintenan...

Organic foods are becoming popular as a smarter and more effectual choice for consumers to be healthy. Organic farming has been practiced during the ancient times but it was only in the 21st century when people gradually...

Many consumers are now becoming more health wise and conscious. They opt for organic products rather than inorganic foods. Thus, the demand for organic supply increases. According to the latest 2017 survey of Organic Tra...

Latest Posts

Plants have been existent in planet Earth before the human beings. They add life to the world in the sense that it gives color and aesthetics and most especially, it provides the humans and animals of their basic needs.

According to Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), there have been more than 400,000 species of plants in the world. They come in different forms, genus, orders, families, and species. Plants are the only organisms in the world that exhibit apical dominance. They grow extensively, forever. They may die and return to the soil, but they always go back to another life form.

Plants are everywhere – even in our homes, hotels, cars, factories, and industries. Despite urbanization, plants still manage to exist in cities. Many people love the view of plants. For them, plants are therapeutic. That is why it is important that we always have a view of plants in our home in form of backyard gardens or orchards.

Common Types of Plants

In the world of science, there are millions of species of plants. But in the broader sense, we see plants as green organisms that have life.

Trees

A tree is the most common type of a plant. According to BGCI, there are a total of 60, 065 species of trees. Trees can be classified according to their leaves – the deciduous trees which have leaves lose their green color and turn orange, brown or red and the evergreen trees with leaves evergreen. Trees can also bear fruits, nuts, cones, and flowers.

Shrubs

Shrubs are small to medium-sized woody plants that may grow from 6 to 20 feet tall. Shrubs are very common in parks, gardens, and landscapes. Some of the most common landscaping shrubs are Rose of Sharon, Hydrangeas, Barberry and Boxwood shrubs, among others.

Herbs

Herbs are leafy plants that are usually used for food, flavoring, and fragrances. Herbs can be perennials, such as lavender and thyme; biennials like parsley; and annuals like basil. On the other hand, herbs are popularly used as medicines. They contain phytochemicals that have effects on the body. Herbal medicine has been long rooted in Chinese tradition.

Vines

Vines are plants that are characterized by their crawling kind of growth habit. They are also called creepers because they need a solid support for them to grow. Most vines have tendrils which curl around to firmly hold on structures. Some shrubs turn into vines when their bodies can no longer support them. The most popular form of vines is grapes.

Grasses

There are more than 12,000 species of grasses. Grasses are plants that lack stem. They have rhizomes or bulb-like structures that are rooted in the soil. Grasses are used in landscaping. Some of the common types of ornamental grasses are Blue Fescue, Mexican Feather grass, Zebra Grass, Japanese Forest grass and Purple Fountain grass.

Apart from these, other types of plants include algae, liverworts, mosses, ferns, horsetails, conifers, cycads and other flowering plants.

Importance of Plants

With all the different forms and appearances of plants, they are undeniably incredible. But what’s more amazing are the benefits that we human can obtain from these plants.

Food

Most of what we eat and consume are plants – fruits, vegetables, crops and even some herbivorous animals that we eat, like goats and cows get their daily dose of nutrients from plants. Human nutrition is dependent on plants. Plants undergo certain natural processes in which they store nutrients and other essentials in forms of seeds, fruits, cereals, leaves, nuts, and roots, among others.

Clothing

Plants are the largest sources of textile and fabric materials. Cotton is one of the most popular fabrics used for clothing. They are durable, lightweight and breathable. Linen is also made from the fibers of the flax plant, whereas hemp fabrics are made from the stem of Cannabis sativa plants. Fabrics from plants are eco-friendly and are less expensive.

Medicine

Plants produce herbal products and alternative medicines which are believed to be therapeutic in nature. Ginseng is proven effective for vitality and immunity enhancement. A study suggests that coffee and teas are rich in antioxidants that prevent cancer and other disorders. Besides, bacteria which are classified as plants in taxonomy are used in producing antibiotics and other drugs.

Biofuel

Some plants are found feasible in producing biofuel. Biofuels are made to decrease the world’s consumption to fossil fuels. Biofuels burn cleaner than fossil fuels. They emit lesser pollutants and greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide. Biofuels can be extracted from energy crops such as soybeans, corn, wheat, sugarcane and more.

Natural Pesticide

In farming, synthetic pesticides and insecticides are discouraged. Plants produce natural pesticides that can effectively eliminate pests, insects and other organisms. Humans can also use certain plant extracts to repel mosquitoes and other insects. The most common sources of natural pesticides are neem tree leaves, lemongrass, and more.

Water Cycle

Plants play a vital role in the water cycle. They maintain the balance of water on the land and in the atmosphere. They help moving water from the soil through the process called transpiration. Moreover, plants clean air by absorbing carbon dioxide from the water vapor to avoid the acid rain.

Aesthetics

Another importance of plants is beauty and aesthetics. They look good in rooms, in the kitchen and anywhere else. They are found in schools, hotels, buildings and other infrastructures. Gardens, landscapes, and orchards, they all use a wide variety of plants to achieve beautiful aesthetics.

Soil Quality

Plants are also essential in maintaining the fertility and the quality of the soil. Plants also prevent soil from degrading and eroding. The roots of the plants are essential in holding the soil from sweeping into the bodies of water.

Stress Reliever

Plants also relieve stress. Some claims that they feel better because of plants. Plants also improve air quality, provide shade and relax sight which can help ease mental fatigue. According to a research, plants are effective in helping surgery patients to recover and to ease the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Do you find plants amazing? Well, if you do, it’s time for you to bring nature into your home and start living with plants.

The forests comprise 31% of the total land mass of the Earth. They are vital in the absorption of carbon dioxide emissions to filter the air we breathe. They are also responsible for producing vital oxygen essential for the existence of wildlife and humans.

More than 2 billion people around the world rely on forests which provide them food, shelter, clothing, fresh water, fuel security and traditional medicine, among others. 300 million people, including 60 million indigenous people primarily live in forests. Apart from humans, forests are also a home to biodiversity. 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity – plants and animals are found in forests.

But, we are gradually losing our forests.

According to statistics, about half of the world’s tropical forests have been cleared. Annually, 6 to 12% of global forests are lost. Between 1990 and 2015, about 129 million hectares of forest are lost. That is like the size of the whole South Africa. Since the last century, Indonesia lost at least 15.79 million hectares of forests, making it the country with the most deforestation. Some other deforested countries include Thailand, Brazil, and some parts of Africa and Europe.

What really happened?

Major Causes of Deforestation

According to United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), we lose over 7 million hectares of forest every year. They are all attributed to human activities. The rise of industrialization has worsened the problem with deforestation.

Illegal Logging

Illegal logging is the primary cause of deforestation. According to a study, over 15 billion trees are cut down every year. Myanmar has the highest rate of illegal logging with 85%, while Peru comes second with 80%. Indonesia is the largest exporter of timber in which 80% of it is exported illegally. The United States is the world’s largest importer of these forest products.

Forest Fires

Forest fires are a natural occurrence that takes place when the temperature in the forests increase due to long periods of dry seasons. It can also be caused by a lightning strike. But alarmingly, there is an increasing number of cases of forest fires caused by humans. To clear the forest rapidly, people use fire. In the Philippines, this system is called Kaingin. Every year, millions of acres of forests are destroyed by fire.

Fuelwood Harvesting

Wood is still the popular fuel choice for heating and cooking. Based on the data of FAO, more than 2.6 people depend on timber, fuelwood, and charcoal as their sources of energy. Since 1960, the consumption of fuelwood has increased to about 250%.

To meet the increasing global demand for commodities and agricultural products, farms and plantations are being expanded even to the premises of the tropical forests. Indonesia which was the largest producer of palm oil was named the “Fastest Forest Destroyer” by Guinness World Records in 2008. As of 2011, a total agricultural area in the world has reached 4.9 billion hectares.

Infrastructure Expansion

Buildings, schools, factories, cities, and roads – these are all accounts of infrastructure expansion. Urbanization has occupied the forests. Road expansions lead to cutting down of trees. The erection of buildings requires the destruction of tropical forests. According to a study, an average of 6,500 miles of roads is constructed in the United States every year.

Livestock Ranching

As part of agricultural modernization, forests have been cleared to make way for livestock ranching. Since 1990, Brazil has become the top exporter of beef in the world. Due to the increasing global demand, the government of Brazil deforested an area that is three-fourths the size of Texas to expand their beef ranches.

Overpopulation

Lastly, overpopulation. The Earth has a total population of 7.6 billion people. By 2050, it is expected that we will reach almost 10 million in number. With this, more and more people will rely on forests as sources of food and shelter. More forests will also be cleared for the construction of houses and buildings.

Impact of Deforestation

With everything that is happening, the Earth is threatened. Humans have gradually lost the forests that are very essential for our existence. Apart from these, deforestation also affects biodiversity and the natural processes in the ecosystem.

Extinction of Biodiversity

70% of the world’s plants and animals live in the forests. However, due to series of deforestation, the natural habitats of the wildlife are also destroyed. According to National Geographic, loss of habitat is the major cause of species extinction. Every year, at least 10,000 species go extinct.

Soil Erosion

Trees and all the fauna in the forests enrich the soil. Without the trees, the soil will lose its fertility. Also, the rise of agriculture promoted soil degradation and soil erosion. The absence of trees made the soil sweep into the rivers. Scientists estimated that 70% of the world’s arable land has been lost through soil erosion.

Greenhouse Gas Emission

As mentioned earlier, forests absorb carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. According to a study, tropical forests hold over 210 gigatons of carbon dioxide. Due to deforestation, 15% of these greenhouse gases are freed. This led to increasing temperature, climate change and worst, global warming.

Disruption of Water Cycles

Trees play a vital role in the water cycle. They keep the balance between the water on land and in the atmosphere. Due to deforestation, the water cycle has been disrupted which causes to extreme weather conditions, unexpected patterns of precipitation and river flow.

Loss of Livelihood

Again, millions of people depend on forests for livelihood – hunting, gathering, medicine and small-scale agriculture. When the forests will be gone, there will be a loss of livelihood. In some parts of Southeast Asia, deforestation caused people to migrate to urban areas.

Poor Life Quality

The ending of everything is pool life quality for humans. Without food, we are nothing. Without potable water, we are sick. Without trees, oxygen will lack supply. Carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases will occupy the air, promoting various diseases. Deforestation will also increase the global temperature which leads to climate change and global warming.

The technological and industrial revolution has transformed agriculture. The production of food is much faster with the use of various equipment, machinery, and advanced agricultural methods. It also involves the use of synthetic pesticides and other harmful chemicals that gradually damage the soil, water, air, and climate.

Despite the overflowing supply of food, farmers and agriculturists have taken initiatives to take a different course which leads to a more sustainable life – environmentally, economically and socially. They believe that humans do not need food that will last them for a single day, but a food that will last them until the end of time. This movement has paved the way to sustainable agriculture.

Why do we Need to Completely Shift to Sustainable Agriculture?

The signs and effects of global warming can already be felt. The climate has changed throughout the history. According to the latest data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), August 2017 was the second warmest August (as per modern records). The global temperature today has increased up to 1.7 degrees Fahrenheit since 1880. With climate change, sea-level increases and weathers are unexpected. On the other hand, the carbon dioxide concentration in the air today is at its highest since 650,000 years ago, with 406.94 parts per million increase.

These are all results of industrialization. If these continue, the environment will deteriorate and will be incapable in providing us with food, shelter and all our daily needs. According to World Resources Institute, the world will have a global population of 9.6 billion by 2050. In that case, we need 70% more food supply to support this population. However, if we do not change our ways, we are gradually bringing our children to a deadly future. This calls for us to shift completely to sustainable agriculture.

What are the Benefits of Sustainable Agriculture?

If we talk about sustainability, it should benefit the environmental, economic and social aspects of the world. Sustainable agriculture definitely promotes environmental health, strengthens global economy and optimizes human function enabling them to interact effectively in the community.

So basically, the practice of sustainable agriculture produces food products that are essential for human health. Sustainable farming also uses methods and practices that do not hurt biodiversity and natural resources. With this, the economy will continue to soar and grow towards the common good of the people.

What are the Sustainable Farming Methods and Practices?

It is really the time that we need to change our ways in agriculture. We should completely practice sustainable agricultural methods in food production. Sustainable farming does not use chemicals and other harmful chemicals that harm our health and the health of the environment.

Permaculture

Permaculture is an agricultural system that utilized patterns directly observed from natural processes in the ecosystem, allowing humans to coexist in harmony with the natural world. Its principles include care for the earth and care for the people. It also sets limits to population and consumption. Permaculture also highlights the use of perennial crops such as shrubs, nut trees, and fruit trees. Some of the permaculture techniques include sheet mulching, herb spirals, no-till cultivation and more.

Biodynamics

Biodynamics is a holistic and ecological approach to farming, food, and nutrition based upon the philosophy of anthroposophy. According to Biodynamics, this agricultural practice “strives to create a diversified, balanced farm ecosystem” which promote health and fertility within the farm itself. Manure, minerals, and herbs are utilized to restore vital life forces of the farm and enhance the quality of food being raised.

Hydroponics and Aquaponics

These agricultural techniques deviate from the traditional use of soil to the use of water added with essential nutrients. In hydroponics, crops are grown with the roots exposed directly to the mineral solution or may be supported by an inert medium, such as gravel or perlite. On the other hand, aquaponics raised crops with aquatic animals. The waste of the marine animals will be used to nourish the crops.

Urban Agriculture

Basically, this type of practice aims to provide us easier access to local food sources. In the future, it is foreseen that cities will dominate the Earth. As early as now, we should learn how to grow food near our homes. This involves home gardens, orchards, rooftop farms, indoor hydroponic farms and urban farm towers, among others.

Agroforestry

Agroforestry is the integration of forestry into agriculture. This practice involves the growth of shrubs and trees amongst agricultural fields which promote more productive and diverse land use. In contrary, crops can coexist in forests through food forest systems. This promotes a symbiotic relationship between forest biodiversity and perennial food plants.

Crop Rotation and Diversity

Crop rotation is the successive cultivation of dissimilar or different crops in a specified order on the same fields. Whereas crop diversity is the variance in characteristics of crops used in agriculture. These two help maintain soil nutrients that can be consumed by different varieties and types of crops. This can also help reduce soil erosion and promote fertility.

Natural Animal Raising

Conventional methods of farming raise animals in confined areas like cages. They are also exposed to various chemicals, including antibiotics, genetically-modified organisms, growth hormones and other drugs. With this, it is important that animals should be free in their natural habitat where they can do their thing. Livestock grazing and pasture systems also help prevent soil erosion.

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated pest management acknowledges the role of predator in naturally eliminating pests in the fields. Not all pests are harmful. Some of them are predators that consume the pests which destroy crops. Some of these include beetle, wasps, hornets, and birds. Further, targeted spraying should be performed in order to kill specific pests only.

Renewable Energy Use

Conventional farming uses more energy than organic farming. Sustainable practices should utilize renewable energy sources in the operations. Solar, wind, and hydropower are eco-friendly sources of energy. Farmers can use solar panels to run pumps and heaters. Hydropower can also be used to power machines in farms.

No-Till Farming

One of the major factors of soil erosion is the tillage. No-till farming is a method of growing crops without disturbing the soil arrangement. It increases the amount of water and moisture that goes into the soil and boosts organic matter retention.

These are just a few of the hundreds of agricultural methods that promote sustainability. With these healthy farming practices, the agricultural systems in the world shall gradually realize the handful benefits it can provide for the environment, global economy and human welfare.

Well, if you are still deciding on what to plant in your own home orchard, consider these 20 top fruits and nuts that can perfectly fit in your background-sized orchard:

Apples

Standard apples can stand up to 30 feet, which obviously is not recommended for your home garden. Consider planting dwarf apples that grow up to 12 feet. They also bear fruit as early as two or three years of planting, depending on the variety.

Apricots

Apricot trees are a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 39 feet, while there dwarf varieties as well. Some varieties of apricot are self-pollinating. However, apricot crops usually die to spring frost, thus, choose a variety that flower the latest to avoid losing blooms.

Blueberries

Blueberry trees range from 4 to 12 feet tall. Commonly, they are more productive in very acidic soil. In cases that the soil is not naturally acidic, you can mix it with decomposed pine needles. Most varieties of blueberries need to be planted together as they require cross-pollination.

Butternuts

Butternuts is a species of walnut tree that is native to Canada and the United States. They are also called white walnut trees because of its gray bark. They usually grow up to 60 feet tall in the wild, however, it has a dwarf variety. They can grow up to 75 years old.

Cherries

Cherries can be sweet or sour. Sweet varieties are self-fertile while sour cherries require no pollination. Dwarf cherry trees can grow up to 10 feet. They need to be exposed to cold temperature to germinate. Cherries are good sources of antioxidants.

Figs

Figs are one of the fastest trees to bear fruit from a cutting, especially when you grow them in late winter. You just have to prune them to keep its height below 8 feet. Figs are more tolerant to cold weathers than olives. Further, deer don’t like them.

Grapes

Grape vines can live up to one hundred years or more. They can also tolerate subzero temperatures. Grapes have high water content that helps our body hydrated. It is also rich in plenty of vitamins and nutrients. More reasons to plant grapes in your orchard.

Hazelnuts

A single mature hazelnut tree can produce 15 to 20 pounds of dried nuts. They are usually harvested in mid-autumn. Hazelnuts are very rich in proteins, vitamins, and essential nutrients. They are even used to combat heart disorders, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease, among others.

Kumquat

Kumquat trees are perfect in your yard because of its natural compact size. They have small fruits that are egg-shaped. The skin of Kumquats is fully-edible that can be processed to sweet tarts. Kumquats can grow productively in colder winters.

Lemon

If you want to protect your family from common colds and flu, secure a lemon tree in your orchard. Lemons are great sources of vitamin C. They can also be used in preparing certain dishes like cocktails, fish, and desserts. They are also used for skin care, teeth care and hair care.

Lime

Just like lemon, lime is also a good source of vitamin C. They are also rich in dietary fiber and minerals like iron, calcium, copper, magnesium, and potassium. They also have phytochemicals and polyphenols that can be used to treat skin diseases.

Mulberry

Mulberry trees can be very huge. But don’t you worry as there are mulberry shrubs. They are sweet, flavorful and chewy berries. They are best to propagate during late winter.

Olives

These evergreen trees can grow up to 30 feet. They are restricted to areas where winter temperatures never go below than 20 degrees. Olive fruits are rich in vitamin E and powerful antioxidants. They are proven to prevent heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis.

Orange

Another rich source of vitamin C is oranges. Orange trees can grow up to 30 feet. Its flowers smell very sweet which attract bees. Orange fruits are rich in phytochemicals that help prevent cancer. Its juice can also prevent kidney diseases and promote heart health.

Papaws

Papaw fruits are usually 5 to 6 inches long and 2 or 3 inches thick. It is associated with a sweet taste and resinous flavor. However, these trees are slow growing. It has a short fruiting season that begins in late August and lasts up to September.

Peaches

Peach trees can grow up to 33 feet tall. They require consistent pruning and fertilization. There is also a tendency that peach trees die during cool and wet climates if not maintained well. Peaches can prevent cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, among others.

Pears

Dwarf pear trees can grow up to 8 feet tall. They are also ideal to plant many pear trees together to undergo cross-pollination. Pears are rich in minerals like potassium, copper, manganese and magnesium, and vitamins C, K and B-complex.

Persimmons

Persimmon trees reach 15 to 59 feet in height, depending on the variety. The most common variety is the Japanese persimmon. However, they are not self-fertile in which you have to plant two trees for them to bear fruits.

Pomegranate

This fruit-bearing shrub or small tree can grow between 16 and 26 feet tall. Its fruiting seasons usually take place from September to February and March to May. They are used in baking, cooking and making juice and wines.

Plums and Prunes

Plum trees can be perfect in your landscape. There are three general kinds of prunes and plums: Japanese, European, and hybrid. Plum trees usually are medium-sized which can grow up from 15 to 19 feet.

Tangerine

Tangerine trees are a type of mandarin orange that can survive cold temperatures better than most citrus species. Ripe tangerine fruits can also stay in trees for 8 months long. Tangerine trees can also be grown indoors, in pots.

Walnuts

A walnut is the most popular member of the tree nut family. Walnuts are rich sources of Omega-3 fatty acids and minerals like copper and manganese, among others. They can help improve your cardiovascular health.

We have already discussed the things that you should consider in planning and starting an orchard in your home. But actually, it does not just end there. The real essence of having an orchard is in the care and maintenance phase. This is the stage wherein you have to dedicate your body, mind, soul and most especially, your heart. This is where your passion and love for the environment comes out.

Again, your orchard should have your favorite nut and fruit-bearing trees. If you have just planted them, it will still take years for them to grow and bear fruits. While you are waiting for the harvesting season, you should be knowledgeable on how to provide care and maintenance for your trees and your orchard.

Pruning

Pruning is a horticultural practice that involves the removal of some certain parts of the trees that inhibit its growth and development. After you plated the tree, prune the top immediately to restore the normal ratio of roots to the top. Most fruiting trees need to be pruned while they are still dormant in winter. Of course, you need to have pruning tools (pruners, clippers, shears, and loppers). Remove the deadwood and unwanted branches. Basically, always maintain the tree in shape. Perform pruning every year.

Mulching

Mulching is done to improve the fertility and the health of the soil by applying a layer of material to the top area of the soil. Mulching is also used to reduce weed growth that also affects our plants. Mulches are usually organic in nature. But there are also other materials of mulches like old carpet, rubber, plastic, rock, and gravel. Mulches can be applied anytime. But commonly, mulching is done after planting the tree to maintain the moisture of the soil.

Pollination

Pollination is ideal for fruit trees to produce seeds. It is the process of moving the pollen grains from one plant to another. There are many ways to perform pollination. It can be natural in which animals like birds and bees carry the pollen to another area, or through the wind. Usually in orchards, hand-pollination is done. To do this, you have to manually transfer pollen from one plant to the pistil of another. You can use cotton swap, small brush or pollen-sprayer.

Fertilizing

After the first season, your trees will need a little nitrogen to speed up its growth. Head to your favorite shops and purchase fertilizers. We recommend the use of organic, high nitrogen fertilizer which includes composted chicken manure, soybean meal, blood meal and feather meal. The amount of fertilizer that you will apply depends on the age of the tree. Just follow the instructions on the packaging of the fertilizer. Basically, peach and hazelnut trees demand more fertilizer than any other fruiting trees.

Fruit Thinning

Fruit thinning aims to achieve the appropriate fruit size and annual bloom of fruiting trees. It involves removing flowers or young and immature fruits. It also stimulates next year’s crop, helps to prevent limb damage from heavy fruit load, and improves the size, color, and quality of fruits. To do this, you just need your hand or pruners and carefully remove the excess fruits. Do fruit thinning in the early stages of fruit development or after pollination.

Irrigation

Commonly, mature fruit trees need period irrigation. You need to wet the top two to three feet of the soil. Perform watering every two or three weeks. We also recommend micro-irrigation systems. This type of irrigation method use trickle, micro-spray or micro-sprinkler to water the tree line of the orchard, whereas conventional methods can wet traffic-lane between rows. Also, the amount and frequency of water provided by micro-irrigation systems are enough to match the requirements of the crop.

Pest Control

Basically, pest control can be done through the use of synthetic pesticides. However, this method is not sustainable and is not healthy for the environment, especially your orchard. Also, pesticides can kill the natural predators that protect your trees. It is important that you perform organic pest control methods and understand the predator-pest relationship. Orchard predators like beetles, earwigs, hoverfly larvae and lacewings kill pests that attack your trees. During spring and summer, wasps and hornets provide fantastic pest control.

Weather Protection

Weather is unpredictable. During windy seasons, trees will lean, thus, it is important that your newly-planted trees are stalked. In sunny periods, you can paint the trunks of the trees with water-based white latex to prevent sunburn. During the winter season, it is important that you initiate frost protection. You can place heaters or frost fans around your orchard. Sprinkler systems also clear the ice that surrounds your trees. Also, in your planning stage, remember not to plant trees in low-lying areas.

Deer Fencing

Deer are really close to nature. They are attracted to young trees. Thus, they can become a nuisance to orchards, home gardens, landscape foundations, and agriculture. It is important that we fence our orchards to keep the deer out. In some countries, fencing is a must, especially in apple orchards. An alternative to deer fencing is the use of mesh netting because sometimes deer can jump above our fences. You can also position guard dogs around your orchards to scare the deer. Just always remember not to use harsh repellants or shoot-to-kill the deer.

Harvesting and Storage

After all your efforts of taking care and maintaining the fruit trees, it is the time for you to reap all your hard work. But before harvesting, you should make sure that the fruits have reached full maturity stage. The maturity of various fruits can depend on the variety, season and weather conditions. For example, different varieties of apples have varied ripening seasons – “Gravenstein” in July, “Gala” in August, “Jonagold” in September, “Fuji” in October and “Granny Smith” in November.

Apples can be harvested when they easily separate from the tree when twisted upward. Apricots, peaches, plums, prunes and sweet cherries ripe when ready for picking. European pears are usually picked when green.

Once harvested, wash the fruits first. If you want to store them, make sure you wrap them in paper and place them in cold storage.

There is no place like home. Yes, indeed! But there is something better than just a home – a home with an orchard. Many homeowners now create orchards in their backyards or in wide, free spaces near their homes. They want to grow their favorite trees, have a source of their favorite nuts and fruits, or simply to bring nature closer to them.

Having a home orchard is really ideal. However, it is not that easy to put up your own home orchard. Of course, you have to be dedicated and patient in growing the fruit trees and other plants.

PLANNING YOUR ORCHARD

Before you start a home orchard, you have to consider a few things. First, you have to ask yourself if you have ample time and interest in maintaining your orchard trees and plants. You also have to consider the ability of your space, especially the soil quality in your backyard if it can potentially grow fruit trees.

Purpose

In planning our orchard, we should consider our purpose. Our purpose will determine the amount of dedication and extensiveness of the maintenance that our orchard needs. Basically, some of us simply want to have an orchard with one fruit-bearing tree, more like a simple homestead garden. But for some, they wanted to create income out of the trees that they have planted in their orchard.

Location

Apart from the healthy and fertile soil, the location where you will set your orchard is important. It should be in a place where there is easy access to good air and water drainage. The most common location of an orchard is a slope, like small hills. Avoid low-lying sites. It is the worst location especially in winter, killing all your trees. A northern slope will also delay blooming and fruit production. So choose the southern slope. Also, avoid windy hilltops.

Size

Basically, the space required of the home orchard depends on the size and the number of trees you wanted to plant. For example, if you want to have dwarf Apple trees, then 15 feet of wall is enough. If you are planning for more trees of various trees, you need at least ½ acres. For large properties, the minimum size for growing a wide variety of trees would be 10 acres.

Management

Do you have an experience? Well, it doesn’t really require all the technical skills. As long as you have the passion in taking care of the environment, you can do it! But if you are aiming for something huge (go back to purpose), you have to be knowledgeable about the types of trees and how to maintain them. You also have to know about pest control, harvesting and other care and maintenance methods. Well, you can always seek the help of experts.

Cost

Again, the cost will depend on your purpose. But maintaining an orchard really requires a budget. You should also consider the different varieties of fruit-trees, as their rate and their need for maintenance differ from each other. Plus, consider the cost of materials and equipment, irrigation and maintenance, among others. In commercial-level, many potential successful orchards have failed because of their insufficient operating capital. Thus, apart from time and dedication, money is important, too.

SELECTING THE TREES

When you select your trees, you should anticipate how big it will grow in the future. Consider the size and location of your space. Large-scale property orchards have large trees that require you to use a ladder for pruning and harvesting. However, if you just want to utilize your backyard, you can select dwarf or semi-dwarf trees. They don’t require too much space, plus they can be planted in smaller distances.

Ideally, a dwarf fruit tree needs a space that is eight feet in diameter as they don’t grow that large. Semi-dwarf trees grow from ten to sixteen feet tall, whereas standard fruit trees can grow up to over thirty feet tall.

In choosing the trees, consider your needs. If you want Apple, then you can decide among the wide variety of Apple fruit trees. There are other perfect choices such as apricots, cherries, hazelnuts, butternuts, peaches, pears, plums, and prunes, among others.

You also have to consider how much effort you can be able to provide in the care, maintenance, and harvesting. It will also be easier for you to choose a tree that is natural to your local environment. Apples and pears can adapt to dry soil. Peaches need to have access to rain. Plums grow better in damp soil. If you choose exotic trees, you have to be extra cautious so that it will survive in your orchard.

PLANTING YOUR TREES

If your soil is already ideal to start creating an orchard, then you can start planting the trees. To start, get your shovel and dig a hole that is about 18 to 20 inches deep or depending on the size of the tree. Ideally, the minimum size of the tree hole should be three times the size of the root ball. However, the bigger, the better so that water can naturally flow to the roots and for the tree to have ample space to grow.

In digging, you have to separate the topsoil as it should be backfilled to the bottom part of the hole. When you are done creating a hole, slowly plant the tree vertically. Make sure that the graft line on the tree is one to two inches exposed above the ground level. Now, slowly backfill the hole, ensuring that the tree still stands upright. Also, avoid air pockets in the surroundings of the trunk. After backfilling, add mulch around the trunk and make sure that the foundation of the soil is compacted. To assist the position of the tree, you can use a stake to keep it in a vertical position, especially in slope locations.

If you plant two or more trees, it is ideal to plant regular fruit trees 20 feet apart. For dwarf fruit trees, make sure they are 10 feet apart from each other.

Now, you have successfully started your own orchard. The real work begins with the care and maintenance where you should dedicate more time, money and energy to provide the needs of your own home orchard.

Many consumers are now becoming more health wise and conscious. They opt for organic products rather than inorganic foods. Thus, the demand for organic supply increases. According to the latest 2017 survey of Organic Trade Association, the sales of organic products in the United States has totaled to around $47 billion in 2016. Moreover, the sales organic food products now in 2017 increases by 8.4 percent from last year, whereas non-food organic products, like cosmetics and beauty products were up by 8.8% in 2016.

Actually, it is a good news that more consumers have realized the goodness of going “organic”. But for some, they are still confused about what real benefits they could obtain from consuming organic products.

Organic and Human Health

Consumers are going “organic” because they believe that it will make them healthier. In the latest study of National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), they have found out that “there are significant differences in the concentration of nutritionally relevant compounds” between organic products and conventionally-produced foods.

Avoid Intake of Chemicals

There are over 600 active chemicals that are approved by the Agricultural standards to be used in farming. However, according to National Academy of Sciences, 90% of these chemicals are not really declared as “safe”. The bad news is, 16 pounds of chemicals pesticides are found in an average person every year. On the contrary, organic farming does not use any synthetic pesticides and chemicals in growing their products.

Packed With More Nutrients

Based on the findings of NCBI, organic crops have higher antioxidants, in which 69% higher concentration in each antioxidant. Antioxidants help us decrease our risk to certain chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disorders and cancer. Organic crops also have higher concentrations of protein and nitrogen while organic dairy products are highly-concentrated with omega-3 fatty acids.

Better Smell and Taste

Since organic foods have a higher concentration of antioxidants, it affects the organoleptic qualities of the foods, including taste, aroma, and mouthfeel. According to British Journal of Nutrition, the taste quality of crops and other foods are dependent on its environment, including how it was grown and harvested. Since organic products avoid the use of chemicals, its quality is natural, resulting in its tastier, natural flavor and taste.

Zero GMOs

Organic products do not use genetically modified organisms (GMO) and genetically engineered food. According to Non-GMO Project, GMO is associated with various health problems and environmental damages. They contaminate our food supply at an alarming rate. That is why some countries require food manufacturers to label foods with GMO.

No Hormones and Drugs

Lastly, scientists found out that around 70% of antibiotics are injected into animals for nontherapeutic purposes. Also, over 90% of the pesticides that are used in conventional farming are being ingested by consumers. Moreover, conventional farming injects millions of pounds of growth hormones to animals every year. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a majority of our pesticide intake comes from dairy products, eggs, fish, meat, and poultry.

Organic and Environment

Apart from humans, the environment also benefits greatly from organic products. The use of organic farming is vital in the conservation of biodiversity and natural resources.

Maintain Soil Quality

Synthetic fertilizers decrease about 65% of nitrogen and carbon from the soil. It affects fertility and productivity of crops. Whereas in organic farming, one teaspoon of compost consists 1 billion helpful bacteria that maintain the health of the soil. Apart from quality, organic farming combats soil erosion. Agriculturists found out that organic fields have almost one foot more topsoil than the chemically-treated field.

Fosters Biodiversity

In the Journal Biological Conservation, scientists compared the abundance of plants and animals between organic and inorganic farms. They have found out that majority of biodiversity species are concentrated in organic farms compared to inorganic fields. Plus, these species live a healthier life. The non-use of pesticides and chemicals contribute to the conservation of biodiversity, making species interact naturally.

Reduces Air and Water Pollution

The dependence of conventional farming to chemicals and synthetic pesticides have contributed a lot to pollution. Based on a research, half of the nitrogen that is applied in chemically-treated fields go to the rivers and other ecosystems, affecting marine environments. Moreover, organic farming helps conserve water as crops highly depend on soil fertility rather than just irrigation.

Uses Less Energy

The manufacturing of synthetic fertilizer demands a lot of energy. According to the British Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, over 30% less energy are used to produce organic foodswhereas organic dairy products used 74% less energy per unit of production. Moreover, study suggests that organic farms only use 40% of the total energy used by conventional farms.

Support Animal Welfare

The problem with conventional farms is that they destroy the natural habitat of insects, birds, fishes and other sorts of species by expanding their agricultural lands and by using chemicals that threaten their existence. Also, livestock animals that are grown in conventional farms are most commonly abused and are caged. Whereas in organic farms, animals are free to live normally and do their natural processes in a free, open natural space.

Combats Global Warming

The major contribution of organic farming to our environment is that it helps prevent global warming. In a study, organic farming can actually reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in our air. In fact, if 10,000 conventional farms will be converted into organic farms, the Earth will be free from carbon dioxide emitted by over 1 billion cars off the road.

Further, Rodale Institute suggested that we could stop more than 100% of annual carbon dioxide emissions if we switch to organic farming practices.

Sustainable Community

Apart from human health and environmental benefits, organic farming makes our communities sustainable. It is given that the use of organic farming produces more healthy food products which are essential for the human health and the environment. But apart from that, our consumption of organic products can support our local farmers. By this, we can be able to create a more sustainable community that protects and supports its people and the environment.

Organic foods are becoming popular as a smarter and more effectual choice for consumers to be healthy. Organic farming has been practiced during the ancient times but it was only in the 21st century when people gradually realized the many benefits that they can get from consuming organic products. Thus, the demand for organic products continues to increase.

On the other hand, some people still do not have knowledge about “organic” foods and products. Well, to answer your curiosity, let us further discuss what organic is, how organic foods are being produced and the reason why we should go organic.

What does “organic” mean?

“Organic” is the term used to describe a product that is locally-grown through the use of organic farming. This farming method aims to nurture the land and cultivate crops by enriching the soil and utilizing organic wastes and other biological materials.

Thus, organic farming is the method of crop and livestock production that avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetically-modified organisms, growth hormones, antibiotics and other harmful chemicals.

How are organic products grown?

Organic farming utilizes healthy and natural processes to promote a sustainable production of crops and animals. Despite the increasing demand for organic foods, farmers are still able to maintain the fresh, organic quality of their products. They engage in various organic agricultural methods and farming techniques to speed up and uphold the quality of their products

Polyculture

Polyculture is an agricultural method that allows multiple kinds of crops in the same space. This promotes crop diversity which is essential for natural ecosystems. Polyculture reduces the susceptibility of organic products to diseases. According to a study in China, they recorded a dramatic 94% decrease in the incidence of disease planting several varieties of rice in the same field. Also, promotes local biodiversity.

Soil Enrichment

Soil enrichment or management involves all practices and treatments to enhance the performance of the soil, including its fertility. Soil management is very important in organic farming as it relies on soil health as the exclusive source of its pest control and fertilization. Over time, the quality and nutrients of soil deplete. Thus, farmers use bacteria that can be found in animal waste to enhance the soil. Other techniques include soil amendment, soil conservation, and optimal soil health.

Weed Management

In organic farming, they use synthetic pesticides and other chemicals to get rid of weeds, pests, and other organisms. On the other hand, instead of totally eliminating the weed, organic farming is more focused into suppressing the growth of the weeds. They follow non-toxic organic weed control methods.

The most common way is mulching in which they cover the garden soil with a layer of organic matter that inhibits the growth of weeds. Another way is through crowding in which they plant groundcovers and perennial plants so when they grow, they will cover and shade the soil and their leaves will just touch each other, making zero space for weeds. Other techniques include tilling and digging, solarizing, pouring hot water to weeds, and rubbing alcohol on weeds.

Biological Pest Control

Biological pest control is an organic agricultural method that aims to eliminate pests, including insects, mites, weeds and plant diseases through the use of other organisms. It highly depends on natural mechanisms such as predation, parasitism, and herbivory.

Importation is one of the pest control strategies which introduce the pest’s natural enemies to a new locale where they do not interact naturally. The second strategy is augmentation or the release of the natural enemies of the pests in a particular area. Lastly is the conservation of the natural enemies in the environment.

Composting

Composting is a very common technique in organic farming, which is being promoted to households in avoiding unnecessary wastes. Composting is the process of decomposing and recycling wastes from fruits, vegetables, animals, foods and natural wastes to convert them into organic fertilizer. Compost is rich in nutrients which can be used as a soil conditioner and fertilizer, natural pesticide and can also be beneficial in preventing soil erosion.

Green Manure

In agriculture, farmers utilize green manure. This refers to dying plants that are uprooted and sown into the soil where crops are being cultivated, so they act as natural fertilizers. Green manure is not just important for the growth of organic crops, but also in maintaining soil quality and fertility.

Why go “organic”?

There are a lot of reasons why you should buy organic products. But primarily, organic products do not use harmful chemicals that may threaten our health. According to a study, inorganic farming uses more than 600 registered active chemicals in their products. An average person consumes 16 pounds of chemical pesticides every year. 90% of these are tested “not safe” by National Academy of Sciences which can lead to certain disorders, especially cancer.

Also, when you go organic, you can benefit more nutrients. Organic products are rich in nutrients, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and micronutrients which are all essential for our optimum health. Based on a research, an organic food contains 21.1% more iron, 27% more vitamin C, 29.3% more magnesium, and 13.6% more phosphorus compared to inorganic counterparts. Plus, organic foods taste and smell better.

How to buy real “organic” products?

Due to the increasing demand for organic products, many retail stores and shops are requesting more supply from agricultural industries. On the other hand, many products now are not real “organic”. Thus, it is important that consumers should be cautious in buying organic products.

The first thing to do is to read the label. Organic products have organic seal or wording on the packaging that says “100% Organic”. However, some products are “greenwashed” or are labeled with organic seals just to look like “organic”. So, the next step is to check the code. If the products are real organic, its PLU code will start with 9 and is usually followed by four more numbers. If the product is inorganic, it will start with 4. But the safest way is to support and buy the products of local farmers that practice organic agricultural methods.

Communities across the world are getting more dynamic. The rise of technology and modernization has changed the way the people of communities interact and communicate with each other. The latest National Journal Heartland Monitor Poll found out that more people believe that technologies and connectivity have improved their overall quality of life. Young people are becoming more positive as well.

However, the study also found a substantial minority of people who are concerned about the increasing reliance of children and adults on digital technologies, making them less involved in the community. It also undermines local merchants, disrupts families and threatens other aspects of people’s lives.

Community leaders are worried about this trend in which members do not engage in creating a community that is sustainable. Without sustainability, the foundation of the community will weaken and will affect the quality of people’s lives.

What is a “Sustainable Community”?

According to the publication Building Sustainable Communities by the Office of Environment and Heritage of NSW Government, the concept of sustainability has its roots in the environmental movement in the 1960s which aimed to respond to the “impact of the society consuming natural resources faster than they could be replaced.”

In response to the scarcity of natural resources, communities should promote sustainability. Hence, social sustainability has taken place. According to Western Australian Council of Social Service (WACOSS), a social sustainability “occurs when formal and informal processes; systems; structures; and relationships actively support the capacity of current and future generations to create healthy and livable communities.” They also added that socially sustainable communities value equitability, diversity, connection, and democracy to promote a good quality of life.

Moreover, Simon Fraser University suggested that a sustainable community utilizes its resources to meet the needs of the people while ensuring that there are adequate resources available for the next generations.

Overall, a sustainable community basically implements and promotes sustainability goals for the welfare of the people while maintaining the nature’s ability to provide.

Why Do We Need to Create a Sustainable Community?

Sustainability is very important for “environmental, social and economic reasons.” Encouraging the people to contribute to their community entails social benefits, as well as economic and environmental advantages.

Community projects that require diverse groups of people offer valuable opportunities “to foster social inclusion, raise cultural awareness and promote community harmony.”

Conserve Energy

An essential part in making our community sustainable is to conserve energy sources. It also includes the use of renewable energy, solar power, wind energy, geothermal heating and cooling systems and other clean sources of energy. The community leaders should plan and construct energy conservation practices and rules for the people to follow.

Reduce Waste

According to the Household Waste Statistics, households generate over 1.2 billion tons of waste every year. A household should practice environmental practices like recycling, reusing and composting to reduce wastes. Sustainability also involves turning wastes into resources and remanufacturing solid waste into marketable products. Leaders can strategize causes that promote waste reduction practices in the community.

Support Local Products

Communities shall also support the local products and businesses. This involves the local farmers who utilize organic farming that benefit not just the people but the environment. Access to healthy food is essential to sustainable living. Also, supporting local businesses boosts economic sustainability of a community.

Develop Public Spaces

Communities should have parks, gardens, orchards or any avenue that will enable them to interact and engage with each other. Public spaces separate people from the natural habitat of the wildlife. In urban communities, open spaces can be transformed into orchards or gardens which bring nature in the city. Community spaces stimulate social interaction and decrease crime rates.

Control Pollution

Communities should be aware of the harmful effects of pollution to our health, the environment and to the world. There should be pollution-control strategies that reduce the production and release of harmful substances and chemicals that harm the land, water, and air.

Promote Energy-Efficiency

Communities should design energy-efficient buildings and establishments. Green buildings incorporate the standards of LEED or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design which rate the eco-friendliness of establishments, including the use of renewable resources, indoor environmental quality and the sustainability in their construction.

Educate the Community

Most people have access to education. Communities should integrate into their educational systems the conservation of the environment. This is a very crucial way in encouraging the members of the community to take their active part in reducing waste, preserving the beauty of nature and conserving resources which affect greatly our living and the economic growth of the community.

Embrace Diversity

According to NSW Government-OEH, it is an advantage for communities to work with people from a diverse range of cultures, religions, languages, and experiences. Diverse groups bring diverse skills, knowledge, and stories that are essential in creating policies for the common good. A community that embraces diversity makes new discoveries, relationships, and solutions for problems, both locally and globally.

Strengthen Communication

Communities should also facilitate meaningful community engagement activities that will strengthen the interaction of all members of the community. In this area, the use of technology and digital communication shall be integrated wisely. Other means that would strengthen communication is to conduct forums, team-building activities, gatherings, and sports, among others.

Uphold Biodiversity

Lastly, the most important of all – uphold the biodiversity. Our existence lies in the environment and the biodiversity. Our biodiversity maintains and promotes the equilibrium in our ecosystem. We humans should respect plants, animals, trees and natural resources. We owe our lives to them. Without the environment, there is no sustainability. Thus, communities should develop practices that promote the conservation of our environment and the biodiversity.

The world is approximately 4.5 billion years old. Over the course of time, the Earth has changed. With the advent of technology and the industrial revolution, our world is now a host to high-rise buildings, industries, factories, manmade attractions, and other things that have been created by mankind.

Our population has also ballooned to 7.6 billion. Fortunately, the Earth is rich in natural resources that can provide us for our daily living. But with the changes that are happening in the world, including the natural phenomena, time will come that the Earth cannot suffice our needs.

According to the study by World Wildlife Fund, if human population continue to rise and we continue to consume the natural resources, the Earth can expire by 2050. Or we need another Earth to supply our needs.

As early as today, we must think of sustainable ways on how to take care of the environment so it can continue to provide us with fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meat from animals and many other sources of food.

The good news is that we can actually continue to develop while integrating nature. Let’s start developing an orchard.

What is Orchard?

An orchard is an area that is planted with fruit-bearing trees, shrubs, and other plants to maintain the food production and promote a sustainable community. Basically, an orchard is like a garden, but bigger with lots of trees that can provide us delicious fruits, such as apples, oranges, olives, pomegranates, and citrus fruits.

An orchard can be natural. Any area concentrated with fruit-bearing plants is an orchard. It can also be developed by us, humans. Ideally, orchards should be near bodies of water, like lakes and rivers to supply the trees with an adequate source of water. They can also be in places that typically have good weather conditions.

Now, it is popular in which communities develop orchards in an urban setting. It’s either they re-develop an existing orchard or they intentionally dedicate a space to plant trees and shrubs. Well, this is a good idea and is an effective method to create a sustainable community where we can still go with advancement and modernization.

How Important are Orchards in Urban Setting?

As mentioned earlier, we can still develop and adopt technological advancements without taking our nature and environment for granted. In urban areas where buildings and factories dominate, it is a breather to create a place that will give us the chance to have time with nature. Orchards are perfect to balance the urban setup and lifestyle.

In a study conducted by International Conference of Agricultural Engineering in 2014, they suggested that orchards are essential in urban planning. According to the study, the decrease of green spaces like orchards affect the quality of life of the people. This condition inhibits the development of the people and the city. Thus, it is important to consider orchard in urban planning as orchards promote “sustainability of urban ecosystems.”

What are the benefits of Orchards?

Orchards really play a vital role in our communities. They are nature’s extensions to modernization and industrialization. Orchards provide a lot of benefits to people and communities in various aspects.

Green Space

Orchards provide a green-setting, a gathering space where people can meet and perform all their daily activities. In urban areas, orchards offer a touch of nature, a breather from the view of cities and buildings. Orchards allow people to interact with each other, do their normal thing while they are with nature. In psychology, ‘green’ space promotes balance and growth, where people can be productive towards the sustainability and the development of their community.

Better Air Quality

Orchards are composed of trees. Trees do not just give shade to the people, but they also promote better air quality. In urban areas, pollution is normal. Cars, industries, residences and factors emit carbon dioxide which contributes to harmful air. Trees combat air pollution by absorbing carbon dioxide which will be used as energy to release oxygen in the air, which is essential for people. They also absorb other pollutant gases such as nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone.

Engagement with Nature

Orchards give us the opportunity to get in touch with nature. We can be able to learn about natural processes. The development of orchards allows us to practice farming skills like grafting and pruning which allow us to connect with nature.

Sustainable Production

When the fruit-bearing trees flourish in the orchards, they can provide us plenty of fruits which serve as our source for the decades to come. Trees are resilient and have special adaptive characteristics that enable them to survive in various conditions. Thus, they require zero to less human input like weeding, watering, growing and pest control.

Food & Nutrition Security

As mentioned earlier, orchards promote sustainability. Because it is natural, they provide us with food that is rich in nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. Fruits are the perfect sources of all essentials needed in our immune system.

Land Regeneration

Part of urbanization, forests and lands are replaced with buildings, roads, and establishments. Thus, the soil lack nutrients. Through orchards, the soil can be able to regenerate to become productive and fertile in producing more

Environmental Friendly

An orchard is the offspring of nature. It maintains the equilibrium in the environment. According to International Conference of Agricultural Engineering, orchards reduce pollution, produce oxygen, take up carbon dioxide, provide habitat for wildlife, reduce soil erosion and hold water, among others. By developing orchards, we are taking an active part in environmental preservation.

Building an orchard is indeed the solution to the negative effects of industrialization and modernization. With orchards, we can be able to support the environment to continue to exist. This is our contribution to the conservation and preservation of wildlife and biodiversity. We are not just helping the nature, but we are helping ourselves too. Orchards help us obtain a sustainable environment that will be a perfect place for us and for all generations to come.

Search for:

Join Monthly Mail!

Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox.

Thank you for subscribing.

Something went wrong.

we respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously

Play Forest Games!

Play great natural and organic slots like Pixies of the Forest at Casumo